This week, our office resumed limited in-person court for individuals who are out on bond in Lexington County. The Lexington County Clerk of Court, courthouse security, and personnel from our office worked together to develop a schedule and safety plan that allowed us to handle over fifty guilty pleas in person. Chief Administration Judge Frank R. Addy, Jr., presided over in-person court. 

To ensure everyone’s safety, defense attorneys and their clients were given different time slots to appear. Everyone was required to wear a mask and gloves were available. Prior to entering the courthouse, each person’s temperature was checked. During court, there were approximately ten people in the courtroom at any one time. 

In addition to holding court in person, we continued to handle some matters by videoconferencing, which allowed us to address a total of 71 cases, including 65 guilty pleas, this week. Circuit Court Judge Bentley Price presided over court by videoconferencing. Judge Price handled a number of matters, including the following cases:

Sinclair McDonald, 26, was sentenced to five (5) years in the South Carolina Department of Corrections for his involvement in a residential Burglary that occurred on July 2, 2019, in the Oak Grove area of Lexington County. McDonald’s conviction is classified as a violent crime under South Carolina law. McDonald committed this burglary along with two other individuals who have already been sentenced. Following this burglary, law enforcement quickly responded and a high speed chase ensued that resulted in a wreck. All three individuals took off running and deputies eventually were able to apprehend all three, the stolen items, and several loaded handguns. This case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant Solicitor Angela Garrick Martin and investigated by the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department. 

Reheem Lamar Taylor, 25, was sentenced to five (5) years in the South Carolina Department of Corrections for his involvement in a West Columbia Armed Robbery that occurred on March 7, 2019. Taylor’s conviction is classified as a “no parole” offense under South Carolina law. Taylor had prior convictions for property crimes and burglaries. Taylor committed this robbery with one other individual who has been sentenced already. Law enforcement responded quickly to the scene and apprehended both individuals in close proximity. This case was prosecuted by Sutania A. Fuller and investigated by the West Columbia Police Department.